The A-22 “frying pan” by Adolph Rickenbacher and George Beauchamp, was the world’s first production electric guitar. They sold their first model A-22 in 1932, thus formally introducing the world to the electric guitar.. and that makes history.
There are several variations of the “frying pan”, which include the A-22 and A-25 models. The A-22, which this guitar is, was slightly shorter than the A-25. The A-22 and A-25 came in silver, aluminum and gold finishes. Hawaiian music was all the rage in the early 20th century. The Hawaiian teenager named Joseph Kekuku is said to have invented the lap steel guitar in the late 19th century. Prior to the 1932 production of the A-22, the guitar was referred to as the Ro-Pat-In Electro Hawaiian Guitar.
Side note… Rickenbacher, later “Rickenbacker”, changed the spelling of his Swedish last name to honor his relative and American WWI hero, Eddie Rickenbacker.
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The A-22 didn’t receive a patent until 1937. The original patent application was filed on June 2, 1934, which dates this model to sometime prior to the patent submission. Once they received notice back from the Patent and Trademark Office, Rickenbacher stamped “Pat Pend.” on various parts of the instrument, which are noticeable through 1934 – 1937. The A-22 was produced between 1932-1939.
This Rickenbacher is likely between 1933 and 1934. I have seen 1932 and some 1933 models with slightly earlier B-### serial numbers. This model is stamped B-208 at the top of the headstock / pegboard.
The condition of this instrument is quite exceptional. There are many examples of the A-22 in instrument museums throughout the US, for example, the Birthplace of Country Music, the Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC). The condition of this guitar rivals the condition of the ones exhibited in those museums. It is beautiful.
Condition Report: The guitar is all original. Nothing has been added or modified. The overall condition is excellent / exceptional.
Aside from minor scratches and wear as seen in the pictures, there are only three things to mention about its condition: Number 1, the colored dot inlays, which this may or may not have ever had, are not present. Number 2, two of the tuner knobs are partially melted. Number 3, the finish in some places is a little tarnished.
The volume control knob is cracked and repaired.
The single-coil horseshoe pickup works well and is clear. The overall volume is not as loud as your typical electric guitar, but not faded either.
The case is original and very interesting. There are very few examples of the A-22 with this particular case. It appears they were sold with at least two different case styles. More commonly you will see the rectangular model. The case has been repaired hastily with black duct tape here and there.
The nameplate on the headstock / pegboard reads: “Rickenbacher Electro – RE – Los Angeles”.
The A-22 “frying pan” by Adolph Rickenbacher and George Beauchamp, was the world’s first production electric guitar. They sold their first model A-22 in 1932, thus formally introducing the world to the electric guitar.. and that makes history.
There are several variations of the “frying pan”, which include the A-22 and A-25 models. The A-22, which this guitar is, was slightly shorter than the A-25. The A-22 and A-25 came in silver, aluminum and gold finishes. Hawaiian music was all the rage in the early 20th century. The Hawaiian teenager named Joseph Kekuku is said to have invented the lap steel guitar in the late 19th century. Prior to the 1932 production of the A-22, the guitar was referred to as the Ro-Pat-In Electro Hawaiian Guitar.
Side note… Rickenbacher, later “Rickenbacker”, changed the spelling of his Swedish last name to honor his relative and American WWI hero, Eddie Rickenbacker.
Free shipping is included.
The A-22 didn’t receive a patent until 1937. The original patent application was filed on June 2, 1934, which dates this model to sometime prior to the patent submission. Once they received notice back from the Patent and Trademark Office, Rickenbacher stamped “Pat Pend.” on various parts of the instrument, which are noticeable through 1934 – 1937. The A-22 was produced between 1932-1939.
This Rickenbacher is likely between 1933 and 1934. I have seen 1932 and some 1933 models with slightly earlier B-### serial numbers. This model is stamped B-208 at the top of the headstock / pegboard.
The condition of this instrument is quite exceptional. There are many examples of the A-22 in instrument museums throughout the US, for example, the Birthplace of Country Music, the Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC). The condition of this guitar rivals the condition of the ones exhibited in those museums. It is beautiful.
Condition Report:
The guitar is all original. Nothing has been added or modified. The overall condition is excellent / exceptional.
Aside from minor scratches and wear as seen in the pictures, there are only three things to mention about its condition: Number 1, the colored dot inlays, which this may or may not have ever had, are not present. Number 2, two of the tuner knobs are partially melted. Number 3, the finish in some places is a little tarnished.
The volume control knob is cracked and repaired.
The single-coil horseshoe pickup works well and is clear. The overall volume is not as loud as your typical electric guitar, but not faded either.
The case is original and very interesting. There are very few examples of the A-22 with this particular case. It appears they were sold with at least two different case styles. More commonly you will see the rectangular model. The case has been repaired hastily with black duct tape here and there.
The nameplate on the headstock / pegboard reads: “Rickenbacher Electro – RE – Los Angeles”.
Guitar Size:
Nut to bridge length: 22 1/2”
Overall length: 28 3/4”
Width: 7”
Depth: 1 5/8”
Additional information
Brand
Rickenbacker
Model
A-22
Year
1933
Shipping Info
SHIPPING IS AVAILABLE ON THIS ITEM.
All items are handled and shipped within 2 days of purchase. For most deliveries in the United States, we use UPS.
If you do not see shipping rates, please contact us for more information.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
There is so much waste from shipping material. We are trying to make a difference to the environment by using recyclable or biodegradable material whenever possible. Our packing material typically includes:
Biodegradable packing peanuts made from cornstarch. They can be thrown in the garbage directly, because they will dissolve quickly in the elements. Or, you can dissolve them yourself in water.
Recycled green bubble wrap.
Recyclable brown packing paper for filling voids.
Paper tape to close the boxes instead of plastic packing tape.
The boxes or shipping bags used are also fully recyclable.
Packing process:
Items are inspected and checked for defects.
Each item will be wrapped with attention to detail and plenty of room in the box or envelope.
Insurance is always included in shipping.
For stringed instruments:
The neck and head will be wrapped and supported
If there are strings, they are loosened
Body wrapped and supported
Inserted into guitar case (if sold with guitar)
Return Policy
Overview
Our refund and returns policy lasts 7 days. If 7 days have passed since your purchase, we can’t offer you a full refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.
Please do not send your purchase back to the manufacturer.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted:
Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error.
Any item that is returned more than 7 days after delivery
Refunds
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.
Late or missing refunds
If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again.
Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.
Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted.
If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us.
Sale items
Only regular priced items may be refunded. Sale items cannot be refunded.
Exchanges
Exchanges are not offered on returns.
Shipping returns
To return your product, you should mail your product to:
Golden Pickups LLC
11 Elm St.
Red Hook, NY 12571.
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable.
Shipping insurance must be obtained on returned items. You may want to consider using a service that offers shipment tracking.
We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
Need help?
Contact us for questions related to refunds and returns.
